Teun Koopmeiners has revealed that he had to ask Juventus to wear Claudio Marchisio’s old no.8 shirt and has explained why the number is of such importance to him.
Koopmeiners officially completed his move to Juventus from Atalanta on Wednesday, signing a five-year contract in Turin in a deal that has cost the Bianconeri upwards of €60m.
The Dutchman has already given his first interview with the club’s media channels, explaining that he is excited to be part of an attacking team, while also insisting that he is ‘here to win things’.
Every word from Koopmeiners first Juventus interview: ‘I’m here to win things’
Why Koopmeiners chose Juventus no.8 shirt
During his first interview, the 26-year-old explained why the no.8 shirt is so important to him.
“It’s a really important number for me. I wore it all the time when I was a youngster. I also wore it at my first club in Holland.
“I told Juventus that it’s a really important number for me, and they said I could have it.”
The Juventus no.8 shirt has been left vacant since the departure of former Wales international Aaron Ramsey.
The most famous player to wear the shirt in the 21st century was Italy international Marchisio, who kept the same number for nine years between 2009 and 2018.